Contractors started sandblasting and painting the inside of two ground storage tanks at Atlantic Beach Water Treatment Plant #1 on Tuesday, Oct. 27. The project, originally scheduled for Sept. 14, was pushed back by weather and other delays, according to the city's Public Utilities Department.

The plant sits at 469 11th St. Residents on Linkside Drive, Linkside Ct. E and Selva Lakes Circle may hear motors running during the sandblasting phase. The city described the sound as similar to power-washing equipment.

Crews will sandblast and paint tank No. 1 first, then move to tank No. 2. Work is scheduled Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with completion expected by the end of November, according to the city's Public Utilities Department.

Residents with questions can contact the Public Utilities Department at 904-247-5886. Troy Stephens, the Public Utilities director, and Danny Pittman, the plants operations manager, are also listed as contacts on the city's notice.

Lead and copper results clear federal threshold

Separately, Atlantic Beach completed lead and copper testing on June 25 at 35 addresses across the city. Every sample came in below the federal action level of 15 parts per billion for lead, according to the city's Public Utilities page.

Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set that 15 ppb threshold. Water at a customer's tap must not exceed that level in at least 90 percent of homes sampled. The city said it mailed results to participating households along with information about lead exposure and risk reduction.

The city's 2025 Water Quality Report is available on the Public Utilities page for residents who want additional detail.

Residents can reach the Public Utilities Department weekdays at 904-247-5886.